In a move that has sparked significant debate, U.S. Senate Democrats have raised concerns over President Donald Trump’s efforts to cut funding from minority-serving institutions (MSIs) and dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in schools. This issue has brought attention to the broader implications of altering funding for educational institutions that play a crucial role in supporting students from diverse and underprivileged backgrounds.
Hawaii U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono led an unofficial hearing that brought together advocates, leaders, experts, and students to discuss the potential fallout from withdrawing financial support from over 800 MSIs. Many of these institutions serve students who are from low-income families or are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
Senator Hirono criticized the current administration’s attempts to abolish DEI initiatives in education, as well as the broader goal of dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. She stated, “Trump has been attacking these programs and is now working to illegally eliminate the programs entirely, not to mention they would like to eliminate the entire federal Department of Education.”
In a controversial move, the Department of Education decided in September to reallocate $350 million in discretionary funds intended for MSIs. This decision was justified by claims that programs for Black, Asian, Indigenous, and Hispanic students are “racially discriminatory.” Shortly thereafter, the department redirected $495 million to support historically Black colleges and universities and tribal colleges.
Adding complexity to the situation, the Justice Department issued an opinion in December deeming several grant programs for MSIs to be “unconstitutional.” Education Secretary Linda McMahon agreed with this assessment, with the agency stating it was evaluating the full impact on the affected programs.
‘Plainly cruel’
Mike Hoa Nguyen, associate professor of education at UCLA and principal investigator for the MSI Data Project, emphasized the critical role of MSIs. He remarked, “MSIs are the backbone of American higher education” and noted that they offer essential pathways for millions of students of color, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. Nguyen highlighted the challenges faced by MSIs due to the reprogramming of funds, which has left them struggling to maintain vital services proven to enhance student outcomes.
Nguyen argued that cutting these resources is “plainly cruel,” as they are fundamental for student success and contribution to society and the economy.
Rowena Tomaneng, president of Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education, expressed concern that the funding cuts have led to the closure or destabilization of crucial programs. She asserted, “These programs are not supplemental — they are essential to closing equity gaps for first-generation and low-income students,” warning that their elimination would reverse progress and increase disparities.
Senators send letter to McMahon
The hearing followed a letter from Senator Hirono and nearly two dozen colleagues, including Senators Alex Padilla, Bernie Sanders, Dick Durbin, Cory Booker, Ben Ray Luján, and Raphael Warnock, urging Secretary McMahon to reverse the decision to halt federal funding for MSIs. The senators argued that this unilateral decision bypasses Congress and sets a dangerous precedent.
Despite these challenges, President Trump approved a spending package in February, allocating $79 billion to the Education Department for the fiscal year, including increased funding for all Title III and V programs that support MSIs. According to a summary from the Senate Appropriations Committee Democrats, Congress has reinforced its support for these programs.
During the hearing, Senator Hirono emphasized, “Only Congress can eliminate these programs, and Congress has decided not to do so.” She expressed that the additional funding in the fiscal year 2026 spending bill underscores Congressional priorities, despite the administration’s stance.
The Education Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding these developments.
